Reservoirs in Kansas

 

There are currently 24 federal reservoirs in the state of Kansas. These reservoirs were built by the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation from the 1940's through 1980's. Though primarily built for flood control, these reservoirs also provide 2/3 of the industrial and municipal water supply for the state (Streeter, 2008). Other economic benefits from Kansas reservoirs include: irrigation, recreation, wildlife support, and power generation (deNoyelles and Jakubauskas, 2008). The overall effectiveness of these reservoirs is currently threatened by the over-accumulation of sediments. 

 

 

Sedimentation

 

Due to erosion from the surrounding watershed, all rivers naturally contain suspended sediments. Human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and alteration of landscapes surrounding rivers can further intensify erosion of the watershed. When a dam is constructed downstream flow is impeded, thereby allowing sediments to settle in the reservoir. The sedimentation rate of a reservoir can vary greatly depending upon the characteristics of its particular watershed. Sedimentation has decreased the storage capacity of many reservoirs throughout the state of Kansas (see figure 1). If these reservoirs are allowed to fill in too much, they will no longer be able to function effectively for recreation, water supply, and wildlife purposes.